A river that partly flows “upstream” around a hill, and a fortress at the western entrance to the modern city, give Prokuplje a distinctive introduction to culture and history. The Toplica meets Hisar Hill and partly flows upstream around it, creating a natural phenomenon. Prokuplje Fortress, also known as Hisar, stands on the hill. The Hisar protected area serves as a city park, picnic spot and viewpoint, and is used for sports and recreation. Landscape, city life and historic fortifications come together here in a compact area.
Hisar and the City’s Churches
Three towers remain on the southern and southeastern sides of the fortifications. Their location brings the fortress complex to life as a structure, while the river and hill add to its landscape setting. The Hisar area is therefore not only of interest to history enthusiasts: it is also used for recreation and sports, combining the historic site with the functions of a city park.
The churches also tell of different periods. The Church of Saint Procopius in Prokuplje dates from the 9th to 10th century; its iconostasis was made in 1847. At the foot of Hisar Hill lies the Latin, or Jug Bogdan, Church, about 200 metres from the Church of Saint Procopius. It preserves depictions of the washing of the feet, the Last Supper and the Entry into Jerusalem. Each church’s location, date and imagery offers a distinct point of emphasis: one through its great age and iconostasis, the other through its surviving depictions.
Museum, Collection and Remembrance
The National Museum of Toplica is housed in a former post office building in the city centre. The building was declared a cultural monument on 22 March 1977. A permanent exhibition focuses on the Toplica Uprising of 1917. Its contents include photographs, original documents, objects and weapons—different ways of approaching a historical subject that bring together text and material evidence.
The museum’s ethnological collection offers further insights: it comprises around 700 objects, including clothing, jewellery, textiles, household items made of metal and wood, and ceramics. Part of the “Staro Prokuplje” collection is on display in the permanent exhibition “Gradska soba”. Thus, alongside political events, everyday objects and the history of the city are also in focus.
Another place of remembrance is the memorial room “Gvozdeni puk u oslobodilačkim ratovima Srbije od 1912–1918. godine”. It opened in 2021 in the railway station building. Panels use photographs and text to trace the regiment’s wartime journey in chronological order. The Boža Ilić Gallery offers a different perspective on art: it is located in the pedestrian zone in the city centre, is devoted exclusively to the visual arts, and exhibits mainly works by academically trained artists.
Pločnik and Other Cultural Themes
The archaeological site of Pločnik is located in the village of the same name near Prokuplje. It dates to the late Neolithic, around 5,500 to 4,800 BC. Reconstructed houses made of mud and reeds, along with workshops for pottery, metalworking and weaving, complement the archaeological focus with craft-related themes. If you would like to get your bearings before your trip, the National Museum of Toplica website offers virtual tours of the museum and Pločnik. Check in advance whether the digital tours are available if you plan to rely on them.
Events and local traditions also add further cultural dimensions to Prokuplje. “Noć muzeja” has been held at the National Museum of Toplica since 2009. The literary event “Drainčevi susreti” begins in Prokuplje and takes place in several towns in the district. If you are planning your stay around an event, it is advisable to check the specific dates before your trip. Prokuplje has also long been known for its winegrowing—a historical connection that adds a local tradition to the city’s cultural themes.
You can explore Prokuplje from different angles, depending on your interests: Hisar brings together river scenery and fortifications, the churches and museum cover religious, artistic and historical themes, and Pločnik broadens the picture to include the late Neolithic.
Discover more destinations: Merdare, Barbatovac, Kuršumlija, Lukovska Banja, Prolom Banja, Blace, Kursumlijska Banja, Lukovo.
For the regional travel overview: Toplica District.
